Taiwanese Tea & Chocolate Tasting: A Journey by Train, A Journey by Taste

Imagine boarding a slow-moving train, a warm cup in your hands, the scenery outside gently shifting with every passing moment. There’s a quiet rhythm to it — an invitation to slow down, to notice, to savour. Now imagine someone sitting across from you. Who would you choose to share that journey with?

Over Easter weekend, we brought this vision to life through our Taiwanese Tea & Chocolate Tasting — a sensory journey that traveled not by rail, but by flavour. Across two intimate sessions, guests joined us for an experience rooted in curiosity, connection, and craft.

 

 

From the very first pour, the journey began.

Our “train” made its way through some of Taiwan’s most celebrated tea regions — from the lush, low-elevation landscapes of Pinglin and Muzha to the misty heights of Shanlinxi and the storied terrain of Sun Moon Lake. Each stop revealed a distinct expression of terroir: Bao Zhong Oolong with its soft florals, the roasted depth of Tieguanyin Oolong, the clarity of our Shanlinxi High Mountain Oolong, and the rich complexity of Red Rhyme 21 Black Tea and Aged Assam Black Tea.

Guided by Sam, each tea became more than a drink — it became a story. Drawing from tea sourcing trips, fine dining experience, and a creative approach, Sam shared how elevation, climate, and roasting techniques shape every cup. What unfolded was not just a tasting, but a deeper understanding of tea as ritual, craftsmanship, and connection.

 

 

Then came the chocolate.

Olivia of YI SHI Cacao Collective introduced a curated lineup of bean-to-bar chocolates sourced from Brazil, Thailand, Ecuador, and Peru. Each bar reflected its origin — bright and fruit-forward, or deep and earthy — offering a striking contrast and harmony with the teas. With every pairing, something unexpected emerged. Notes hidden in the tea would suddenly bloom; subtle flavours in the chocolate would come alive in new ways.

Featured chocolates from @luisaabram @paradai_chocolate @somachocolatemaker @cocoarocraftchocolate

Together, tea and chocolate created a dialogue — transforming each other with every sip and bite.

More than anything, what made the weekend special was the shared experience. Thoughtful questions, quiet moments of discovery, warm smiles exchanged between strangers who, by the end, no longer felt like strangers at all.

The space allowed for: Time to truly taste. Time to listen. Time to connect.